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Abstract:

A control circuit initiates a relationship-establishment mode of
operation and operates in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing
mode of operation. When the control circuit completes one of these modes
of operation (for example, the learn mode of operation, the pairing mode
of operation, or either) the relationship-establishment mode of operation
can switch to only using the remaining mode of operation during a
remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of operation. One can
also disable a previously-established relationship for each of a first
category of remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became
authorized through a learn mode of operation) when the user presses a
button. Upon then detecting a second end-user assertion of the end-user
interface, the control circuit can further disable a
previously-established relationship with each of a second category of
remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through
a pairing mode of operation).

Claims:

1. A method comprising: at a control circuit: initiating a
relationship-establishment mode of operation; during the
relationship-establishment mode of operation operating in both a learn
mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the control circuit comprises a part of
a movable-barrier operator.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein initiating a relationship-establishment
mode of operation comprises detecting an end-user's assertion of a
corresponding input interface.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein detecting an end-user's assertion of a
corresponding input interface comprises detecting that the end user has
asserted a button.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein only a single end-user assertion of the
button will suffice to detect that the end user has asserted the button.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein operating in both a learn mode of
operation and a pairing mode of operation comprises, during a first
predetermined period of time, monitoring for a transmission from both a
learn-mode device and a pairing-mode device.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein operating in both a learn mode of
operation and a pairing mode of operation comprises, during a first
predetermined period of time, monitoring for both learn-mode
transmissions and pairing-mode transmissions.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein monitoring for both learn-mode
transmissions and pairing-mode transmissions comprises monitoring for
both learn-mode transmissions and pairing-mode transmissions in a
temporally-interleaved manner.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein monitoring for both learn-mode
transmissions and pairing-mode transmissions in a temporally-interleaved
manner comprises: monitoring for the learn-mode transmissions in a first
reception band; monitoring for the pairing-mode transmissions in a second
reception band that is at least partially different from the first
reception band.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the second reception band is fully
non-coincident with the first reception band.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the first reception band comprises an
ultra-high frequency band and the second reception band comprises an
industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the ISM band comprises a 900 MHz-range
ISM band.

13. The method of claim 7 wherein, during the first predetermined period
of time, monitoring for both learn-mode transmissions and pairing-mode
transmissions comprises not transmitting via the control circuit unless
and until a pairing-mode transmission is received.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: upon receiving, during the
first predetermined period of time, a learn-mode transmission containing
relationship-establishment content from a first transmitting platform,
using the relationship-establishment content to learn the first
transmitting platform and thereby facilitate recognizing and acting upon
subsequent transmissions from the first transmitting platform.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the learn-mode transmission and at
least some of the subsequent transmissions use an identical message-field
syntax.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising: upon using the
relationship-establishment content to learn the first transmitting
platform, automatically concluding the relationship-establishment mode of
operation notwithstanding that the first predetermined period of time may
not have yet expired.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: upon receiving, during the
first predetermined period of time, a pairing-mode transmission from a
second transmitting platform: transceiving relationship-establishment
content to thereby pair with the second transmitting platform;
automatically concluding the relationship-establishment mode of operation
notwithstanding that the first predetermined period of time may not have
yet expired.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first predetermined period of time
comprises about three seconds.

19. The method of claim 7 further comprising, as part of operating in
both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation, and
subsequent to the first predetermined period of time and for a second
predetermined period of time: continuing to monitor for learn-mode
transmissions while now transmitting pairing-mode content.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the transmitting of the pairing-mode
content occurs unless and until the control circuit receives a
transmitted pairing-mode response to the transmitting of the pairing-mode
content.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: upon receiving, during the
second predetermined period of time, the pairing-mode response:
completing pairing based upon the pairing-mode response; automatically
concluding the relationship-establishment mode of operation
notwithstanding that the second predetermined period of time may not have
yet expired.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising: upon receiving, during the
second predetermined period of time, a learn-mode transmission containing
relationship-establishment content from a transmitting platform: using
the relationship-establishment content to learn the transmitting platform
and thereby facilitate recognizing and acting upon subsequent
transmissions from the transmitting platform; automatically concluding
the relationship-establishment mode of operation notwithstanding that the
second predetermined period of time may not have yet expired.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein the second predetermined period of
time is substantially longer than the first predetermined period of time.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the second predetermined period of
time is at least five times longer than the first predetermined period of
time.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the second predetermined period of
time is at least ten times longer than the first predetermined period of
time.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the first predetermined period of time
is about three seconds and the second predetermined period of time is
about thirty seconds.

27. The method of claim 19 further comprising, as part of operating in
both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation, and
subsequent to the second predetermined period of time and for a third
predetermined period of time: only monitoring for pairing-mode
transmissions unless and until a pairing-mode transmission is received.

28. The method of claim 27 further comprising: upon receiving, during the
third predetermined period of time, a pairing-mode transmission from a
transmitting platform: transceiving relationship-establishment content to
thereby pair with the transmitting platform; automatically concluding the
relationship-establishment mode of operation notwithstanding that the
third predetermined period of time may not have yet expired.

29. The method of claim 27 further comprising: automatically concluding
the relationship-establishment mode of operation upon expiration of the
third predetermined period of time.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the second and third predetermined
periods of time are substantially longer than the first predetermined
period of time.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the second and third predetermined
periods of time are at least approximately of a same duration.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the first predetermined period of time
is about three seconds and the second and third predetermined periods of
time are each about thirty seconds.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein, when during the
relationship-establishment mode of operation the control circuit
completes the learn-mode of operation for a given platform, the
relationship-establishment mode of operation switches to only operating
using the pairing-mode of operation during a remainder of the
relationship-establishment mode of operation.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein only operating using the pairing-mode
of operation during a remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of
operation comprises only monitoring for pairing-mode transmissions unless
and until a pairing-mode transmission is received.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein only operating using the pairing-mode
of operation during a remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of
operation comprises both transmitting pairing-mode transmissions and
monitoring for pairing-mode transmissions regardless of whether a
pairing-mode transmission is received.

36. The method of claim 33 further comprising: determining information
regarding the given platform; and wherein switching to only operating
using the pairing-mode of operation further comprises only switching to
only operating using the pairing-mode of operation as a function of the
information regarding the given platform.

37. The method of claim 1 wherein, when during the
relationship-establishment mode of operation the control circuit
completes the pairing mode of operation for a given platform, the
relationship-establishment mode of operation switches to only operating
using the learn mode of operation during a remainder of the
relationship-establishment mode of operation.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein only operating using the learn mode of
operation during a remainder of the relationship-establishment mode of
operation comprises only monitoring for learn-mode transmissions.

39. The method of claim 37 further comprising: determining information
regarding the given platform; and wherein switching to only operating
using the learn mode of operation further comprises only switching to
only operating using the learn mode of operation as a function of the
information regarding the given platform.

40. An apparatus comprising: a transceiver; memory; a control circuit
operably coupled to the transceiver and the memory and configured to:
initiate a relationship-establishment mode of operation; during the
relationship-establishment mode of operation use the transceiver to
operate in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of
operation.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the apparatus comprises a
movable-barrier operator.

42. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising: an end-user input
interface; and wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate the
relationship-establishment mode of operation by detecting an end-user's
assertion of the end-user input interface.

44. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the control circuit is configured
to operate in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of
operation by, during a first predetermined period of time, monitoring for
a transmission from both a learn-mode device and a pairing-mode device.

45. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the control circuit is configured
to operate in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of
operation by, during a first predetermined period of time, monitoring for
both learn-mode transmissions and pairing-mode transmissions.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the control circuit is configured
to monitor for both learn-mode transmissions and pairing-mode
transmissions by monitoring for both learn-mode transmissions and
pairing-mode transmissions in a temporally-interleaved manner.

47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the control circuit is configured
to monitor for both learn-mode transmissions and pairing-mode
transmissions in a temporally-interleaved manner by: monitoring for the
learn-mode transmissions in a first reception band; monitoring for the
pairing-mode transmissions in a second reception band that is at least
partially different from the first reception band.

48. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein, during the first predetermined
period of time, the control circuit is configured to monitor for both
learn-mode transmissions and pairing-mode transmissions by not
transmitting via the control circuit unless and until a pairing-mode
transmission is received.

49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: upon receiving, during the first predetermined period of time, a
learn-mode transmission containing relationship-establishment content
from a first transmitting platform, use the relationship-establishment
content to learn the first transmitting platform and thereby facilitate
recognizing and acting upon subsequent transmissions from the first
transmitting platform.

50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the learn-mode transmission and at
least some of the subsequent transmissions use an identical message-field
syntax.

51. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: upon using the relationship-establishment content to learn the first
transmitting platform, automatically conclude the
relationship-establishment mode of operation notwithstanding that the
first predetermined period of time may not have yet expired.

52. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: upon receiving, during the first predetermined period of time, a
pairing-mode transmission from a second transmitting platform: transceive
relationship-establishment content to thereby pair with the second
transmitting platform; automatically conclude the
relationship-establishment mode of operation notwithstanding that the
first predetermined period of time may not have yet expired.

53. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the control circuit is configured
to, as part of operating in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing
mode of operation, and subsequent to the first predetermined period of
time and for a second predetermined period of time: continue to monitor
for learn-mode transmissions while now transmitting pairing-mode content.

54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the control circuit is configured
to transmit the pairing-mode content without monitoring for pairing-mode
transmissions unless and until the control circuit receives a transmitted
pairing-mode response to the transmitting of the pairing-mode content.

55. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: upon receiving, during the second predetermined period of time, the
pairing-mode response: complete pairing based upon the pairing-mode
response; automatically conclude the relationship-establishment mode of
operation notwithstanding that the second predetermined period of time
may not have yet expired.

56. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: upon receiving, during the second predetermined period of time, a
learn-mode transmission containing relationship-establishment content
from a transmitting platform: use the relationship-establishment content
to learn the transmitting platform and thereby facilitate recognizing and
acting upon subsequent transmissions from the transmitting platform;
automatically conclude the relationship-establishment mode of operation
notwithstanding that the second predetermined period of time may not have
yet expired.

57. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the control circuit is configured
to, as part of operating in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing
mode of operation, and subsequent to the second predetermined period of
time and for a third predetermined period of time: only monitor for
pairing-mode transmissions unless and until a pairing-mode transmission
is received.

58. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: upon receiving, during the third predetermined period of time, a
pairing-mode transmission from a transmitting platform: transceive
relationship-establishment content to thereby pair with the transmitting
platform; automatically conclude the relationship-establishment mode of
operation notwithstanding that the third predetermined period of time may
not have yet expired.

59. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit is configured
to: automatically conclude the relationship-establishment mode of
operation upon expiration of the third predetermined period of time.

60. A method comprising: at a control circuit: maintaining, on a
non-temporary basis, previously-established authorized wireless
relationships for each of a first category of remote platforms;
maintaining, only on a temporary basis, at least a portion of the
previously-established authorized wireless relationships for each of a
second category of remote platforms wherein the second category is
different from the first category.

62. The method of claim 60 wherein maintaining, only on a temporary
basis, previously-established authorized wireless relationships
comprises, at least in part, only maintaining a given one of the
previously-established authorized wireless relationships as a function of
time.

63. The method of claim 62 wherein only maintaining a given one of the
previously-established authorized wireless relationships as a function of
time comprises automatically disabling the given one of the
previously-established authorized wireless relationships after a
predetermined period of time.

65. The method of claim 60 wherein the second category of remote
platforms represents service tools.

66. The method of claim 60 wherein maintaining only on a temporary basis,
previously established authorized wireless relationship, comprises at
least in part, only maintaining a given one of the previously established
authorized wireless relationship as a function of at least one external
input to the control circuit.

67. The method of claim 66 wherein the at least one external input to the
control circuit, is the command input to operate the control circuit.

68. A method comprising: at a control circuit: detecting an end-user
assertion of an end-user interface; in response to detecting the end-user
assertion, disabling a previously-established authorized relationship
with each of a first category of remote platforms; detecting a second
end-user assertion of the end-user interface; in response to detecting
the second end-user assertion, disabling a previously-established
relationship with each of a second category of remote platforms, wherein
the second category is different from the first category.

70. The method of claim 68 wherein detecting the end-user assertion of
the end-user interface comprises detecting that the end user has asserted
the end-user interface for a particular duration of time.

71. The method of claim 70 wherein the particular duration of time
comprises at least two seconds.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein the particular duration of time
comprises about six seconds.

73. The method of claim 70 wherein detecting the second end-user
assertion of the end-user interface comprises detecting that the end user
has asserted the end-user interface a second time following the
particular duration of time for a second particular duration of time.

74. The method of claim 73 wherein the particular duration of time and
the second particular duration of time are both about a same duration of
time.

75. The method of claim 74 wherein the same duration of time is about six
seconds.

76. The method of claim 70 wherein detecting the second end-user
assertion of the end-user interface comprises detecting that the end user
has continued to assert the end-user interface following the particular
duration of time for a second particular duration of time.

77. The method of claim 68 wherein disabling a previously-established
authorized relationship with each of a first category of remote platforms
comprises disabling authorized learned relationships.

78. The method of claim 77 wherein disabling a previously-established
relationship with each of a second category of remote platforms comprises
disabling authorized paired relationships.

79. The method of claim 68 wherein disabling comprises, at least in part,
erasing from memory.

80. The method of claim 68 wherein detecting a second end-user assertion
of the end-user interface comprises detecting as a second end-user
assertion of the end-user interface only a subsequent end-user assertion
of the end-user interface that occurs within a predetermined period of
time of detecting the end-user assertion of the end-user interface.

81. The method of claim 68 wherein detecting a second end-user assertion
of the end-user interface comprises detecting that the end-user interface
has been asserted by an end user when there is no extant
previously-established authorized relationship with the first category of
remote platform.

82. An apparatus comprising: an end-user interface; a memory; a control
circuit operably coupled to the end-user interface and the memory, and
configured to: detect a first end-user assertion of the end-user
interface; in response to detecting the first end-user assertion, disable
a previously-established authorized relationship with each of a first
category of remote platforms; detect a second end-user assertion of the
end-user interface; in response to detecting the second end-user
assertion, disable a previously-established relationship with each of a
second category of remote platforms, wherein the second category is
different from the first category.

84. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the control circuit is configured
to detect the first end-user assertion of the end-user interface by
detecting that the end user has asserted the end-user interface for a
particular duration of time.

85. The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the particular duration of time
comprises about six seconds.

86. The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the control circuit is configured
to detect the second end-user assertion of the end-user interface by
detecting that the end user has asserted the end-user interface a second
time following the particular duration of time for a second particular
duration of time.

87. The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the particular duration of time and
the second particular duration of time are both about a same duration of
time.

88. The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the control circuit is configured
to detect the second end-user assertion of the end-user interface by
detecting that the end user has continued to assert the end-user
interface following the particular duration of time for a second
particular duration of time.

89. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the control circuit is configured
to disable a previously-established authorized relationship with each of
a first category of remote platforms by disabling authorized learned
relationships.

90. The apparatus of claim 89 wherein the control circuit is configured
to disable a previously-established relationship with each of a second
category of remote platforms by disabling authorized paired
relationships.

91. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the control circuit is configured
to disable by, at least in part, erasing information from the memory.

92. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the control circuit is configured
to detect a second end-user assertion of the end-user interface by
detecting as a second end-user assertion of the end-user interface only a
subsequent end-user assertion of the end-user interface that occurs
within a predetermined period of time of detecting the end-user assertion
of the end-user interface.

93. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein the control circuit is configured
to detect a second end-user assertion of the end-user interface by
detecting that the end-user interface has been asserted by an end user
when there is no extant previously-established authorized relationship
with the first category of remote platform.

Description:

[0002] Wireless data communications comprises a well-developed area of
prior art endeavor. This includes, for example, the transmission of
remote-control signals/messages from a one-way wireless transmitter to a
compatible wireless receiver as comprises a part of a movable barrier
operator (such as, but not limited to, a garage door opener). For the
most part such transmissions often make use of unlicensed spectrum in the
ultra-high frequency (UHF) range.

[0003] Such approaches have served well for many years. There are
application settings, however, where further capabilities in these
regards would be useful. Two-way data communications in such an
application setting, for example, has been proposed. The specifics,
however, of suitably configuring a useful system to accommodate such a
direction present numerous challenges. These challenges, in turn, have no
doubt contributed to a delayed introduction of useful practices in these
regards.

[0004] As but one example in these regards, relationship-establishment
techniques are typically different when comparing one-way methodologies
with two-way approaches. This, in turn, can lead to conflicts and/or
compromises with respect to system design and configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the
method and apparatus to accommodate both a learn mode of operation and a
pairing mode of operation during a relationship-establishment mode of
operation described in the following detailed description, particularly
when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance
with various embodiments of the invention;

[0007] FIG. 2 comprises a block diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention;

[0008] FIG. 3 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention;

[0009] FIG. 4 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 5 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 6 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention;

[0012] FIG. 7 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 8 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention; and

[0014]FIG. 9 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with
various embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity
and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions
and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding
of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but
well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially
feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less
obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.
Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular
order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that
such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as
is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the
technical field as set forth above except where different specific
meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a
control circuit can initiate a relationship-establishment mode of
operation. During this relationship-establishment mode of operation the
control circuit operates in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing
mode of operation. This can be particularly useful when, for example, the
control circuit comprises a part of a movable-barrier operator. By one
approach, this relationship-establishment mode of operation is initiated
through detection of when an end user asserts a button. Accordingly, both
a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation can be
initiated through a single push of a button. If desired, this can
comprise having both the pairing mode of operation and the learn mode of
operation automatically sequentially performed so that it appears to an
end user as though both activities occur at essentially the same time.

[0017] These teachings are flexible in practice and can be applied in a
variety of ways. For example, by one approach, during an initial period
of time this approach will accommodate monitoring for both a learn mode
transmission and a pairing mode transmission. At the conclusion of this
first period of time the control circuit can then, for a second period of
time, monitor for a learn mode of transmission while now transmitting its
own pairing mode transmission. Finally, at the conclusion of this second
period of time and for a third period of time the control circuit can
conclude its own learn mode efforts and engage exclusively in pairing
mode behavior.

[0018] As another example in these regards, when the control circuit
completes one of these modes of operation (for example, the learn mode of
operation, the pairing mode of operation, or either) the
relationship-establishment mode of operation can switch to only using the
remaining mode of operation during a remainder of the
relationship-establishment mode of operation.

[0019] These teachings will also accommodate disabling a
previously-established relationship (this can comprise, for example,
detecting an end-user assertion of an end-user interface) and
responsively disabling a previously-established authorization
relationship with each of a first category of remote platforms (such as
remote platforms that became authorized through a learn mode of
operation). Upon then detecting a second end-user assertion of the
end-user interface, the control circuit can then disable a
previously-established relationship with each of a second category of
remote platforms (such as remote platforms that became authorized through
a pairing mode of operation).

[0020] And as yet another example in these regards, the control circuit
can be configured to maintain, on a non-temporary basis,
previously-established authorized wireless relationships for each of a
first category of remote platforms (such as platforms intended for
ongoing and regular use in conjunction with the control circuit). The
control circuit can also maintain, but only on a temporary basis, at
least a portion of the previously-established authorized wireless
relationships for each of a second category of remote platforms (such as
service tools where only a short period of authorization is typically
needed or appropriate).

[0021] These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thorough
review and study of the following detailed description. Referring now to
the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, it may be helpful to first
describe an illustrative application setting. It will be understood that
the specific of this example are intended to serve only in an
illustrative regard and are not intended to express or suggest any
corresponding limitations with respect to the scope of these teachings.

[0022] In this illustrative example, a barrier movement controller 100
comprises, in part, a movable barrier operator 101 positioned within a
garage 102. This movable barrier operator 101 mounts to the garage
ceiling 103 and serves to control and effect selective movement of a
selectively movable barrier comprising, in this illustrative example, a
multi-panel garage door 104. The multi-panel garage door 104 includes a
plurality of rollers (not shown) rotatably confined within a pair of
tracks 105 positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of the garage
opening 106.

[0023] The movable barrier operator 101 includes a head unit having a
motive component such as an electric motor (not shown) to provide motion
to the garage door 104 via a rail assembly 107. The rail assembly 107 in
this example includes a trolley 108 for releasable connection of the head
unit to the garage door 104 via an arm 109. The arm 109 connects to an
upper portion 110 of the garage door 104. The trolley 108 effects the
desired movement of the door 104 via the arm 109 via a transmission that
can be an endless chain, belt, or screw drive, all of which are well know
in the industry. As an alternative another head unit that is well known
in the industry is a jackshaft operator that moves the barrier by
affecting a counter balance system.

[0024] The head unit includes a radio frequency receiver (not shown)
having an antenna 111 to facilitate receiving coded radio frequency
transmissions from one or more radio transmitters 112. These transmitters
112 may include portable transmitters (such as keyfob-style transmitters)
or keypad transmitters (such as those often installed in automobile sun
visors). The radio receiver typically connects to a processor (not shown)
in the head unit that interprets received signals and responsively
controls other portions of the movable barrier operator 101.

[0025] The head unit also includes a radio frequency transmitter (not
shown) having an antenna 114 to facilitate transmitting coded radio
frequency transmissions to one or more two-way remote platforms as
described herein. In many application settings the radio frequency
receiver and the radio frequency transmitter will operate using
non-overlapping and considerably different bands. Together, this receiver
and transmitter comprise a transceiver.

[0026] An end-user interface 113 such as a push button-based wall control
unit can comprise one of the aforementioned two-way remote platforms and
can wirelessly communicate with the head unit to effect control of a
movable barrier operator motor and other components. So configured, for
example, an end user can assert the end-user interface 113 to signal to
the movable barrier operator 101 that the barrier 104 should now be moved
from an opened position to a closed position.

[0027] An obstacle detector 115 can also comprise one of the
aforementioned two-way remote platforms and can also wirelessly
communicate with the head unit. The obstacle detector can employ, for
example, optical (such as infrared-pulsed beams) approaches to detect
when the garage door opening 106 is blocked. The obstacle detector 115
can then wirelessly signal the movable barrier operator 101 regarding the
blockage. The latter can then, for example, cause a reversal or opening
of the door 104 to avoid contacting the obstacle.

[0028] A light fixture 116 can also comprise one of the aforementioned
two-way remote platforms and hence can also wirelessly communicate with
(or via) the head unit. So configured, the movable barrier operator 101
can selectively cause the light fixture 116 to provide a source of light
if and as appropriate.

[0029] FIG. 2 provides further specific examples with respect to the
movable barrier operator 101. Again, these points of specificity are not
to be taken as suggesting any particular limitations in these regards and
are offered instead for the sake of illustration.

[0030] In this illustrative example the movable barrier operator 101
comprises a control circuit 201 of choice. Such a control circuit 201 can
comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially
or wholly programmable platform. All of these architectural options are
well known and understood in the art and require no further description
here. This control circuit 201 can be configured to carry out one or more
of the steps, actions, or functions described herein as desired.

[0031] By one approach, when the control circuit 201 comprises a partially
or wholly-programmable platform this can comprise programming the control
circuit 201 in this manner. In such a case the computer instructions
comprising this programming can be stored within the control circuit 201
itself and/or can be partially or wholly stored in one or more memory
components 202. Such an approach is well understood in the art and hence
will not be further elaborated upon here.

[0032] This control circuit 201 operably couples to a transceiver 203.
This transceiver 203 can comprise, for example, a wireless transceiver.
This transceiver 203 can comprise both a wireless radio-frequency
transmitter that is configured to transmit in a first discrete band 204
as well as a wireless radio-frequency receiver. (As used herein, the
expression "band" will be understood to refer to a range of allocated or
otherwise defined radio-frequency communications spectrum that is bounded
by a lower frequency and a higher frequency and that includes all of the
intervening frequencies.) By one approach this first discrete band 204
can comprise an industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band as
allocated by the United States Federal Communications Commission at
around 900 MHz for unlicensed use in support of such activities. (Those
skilled in the art will know that other regulatory entities around the
world have allocated spectrum for like usage at various frequencies and
these allocations, too, can be considered ISM bands.)

[0033] By one approach the aforementioned wireless radio-frequency
receiver can be configured to receive in both of at least two discrete
bands. This can comprise, for example, the aforementioned ISM band in the
900 MHz-range ISM band as well as another discrete band 207 that
comprises a lower-frequency band such as an ultra-high frequency (UHF)
band. Such an approach will serve well in a variety of application
settings. That said, these teachings are not limited in these regards.
Accordingly, either or both of these bands can comprise, for example, a
very-high frequency (VHF) band, a global system for mobile
communications-railway (GSMR) band, or the aforementioned UHF or ISM
bands to note but a few examples in these regards.

[0034] In this illustrative example this transceiver 203 has two antennas
205 and 206 (which may comprise, for example, whip antennas as are known
in the art). The first antenna 205 is used by the aforementioned
transmitter and is tuned to that first discrete band 204. (As used
herein, the expression "tuned to" will be understood to refer to a
configuration and choice of materials and components that are
particularly selected and suitable to optimize transmission at the
frequencies comprising that first discrete band 204.) The second antenna
206 operably couples to the aforementioned receiver. Accordingly, the
transceiver 203 uses this reception antenna 206 to receive both
transmissions within that first discrete band 204 as well as within the
second discrete band 207. By one approach, and notwithstanding this
dual-usage approach, this second antenna 206 is tuned to the second
discrete band 207.

[0035] As noted above, these antennas can be tuned to optimize performance
with respect to certain transmission/reception bands. If desired, one or
both of these antennas can also be optimized in other ways as well. For
example, the transmission antenna 205 can be further optimized, if
desired, for transmissions intended for a presumably stationary receiver.
As another example, the reception antenna 206 can be further optimized,
if desired, to receive transmissions from a presumably mobile transmitter
(such as, for example, a movable barrier operator remote control
transmitter located in a moving automobile).

[0036] Accordingly, for example, this transceiver 203 would use an antenna
tuned to a UHF band both when receiving transmissions within the UHF band
and also within an ISM band in the 900 MHz-range ISM band. This approach
serves to reduce the cost and complexity of the resultant platform. Of
course, this also means that the transceiver 203 is not quite as able to
receive transmissions within the first discrete range 204 as compared to
transmissions within the second discrete range 207. These teachings can
compensate for this reduced capability by configuring the devices that
transmit to this movable barrier operator 101 to employ relatively
greater power when transmitting using the first discrete band 204.

[0037] As noted above, the specifics of such an example are intended to
serve in an illustrative capacity and are not intended to comprise either
an exhaustive presentation in these regards or a definitive limiting
characterization. To underscore this point, and referring momentarily to
FIG. 3, a corresponding process 300 will be presented.

[0038] Step 301 of this process 300 provides a wireless radio-frequency
receiver configured to selectively receive in at least two discrete bands
while step 302 provides a wireless radio-frequency transmitter configured
to selectively transmit in at least one of the two discrete bands. This
can mean, of course, that the wireless radio-frequency transmitter is
configured to transmit in only of the two discrete bands. As a specific
example already noted above, this could mean providing a receiver that
can receive in both a UHF band and a 900 MHz band and providing a
transmitter that can only transmit in the 900 MHz band.

[0039] Step 303 of this process 300 then provides for operably coupling a
first antenna comprising a reception antenna to the wireless
radio-frequency receiver, where the reception antenna is tune to a first
one of the at least two discrete bands (such as the UHF band). Step 304,
in turn, provides for operably coupling a second antenna (that is
different from the first antenna) to the wireless radio-frequency
transmitter, where the transmission antenna is tuned to a second one of
the at least two discrete bands that is different than the first one of
the at least two discrete bands.

[0040] So configured, of course, this process 300 will then support an
optional step 305 that provides for receiving movable barrier remote
control transmissions via the reception antenna and the wireless
radio-frequency receiver. These transmissions can comprise, for example,
encrypted movable barrier remote control transmissions (including but not
limited to encryption by converting binary information into trinary
information as characterizes many movable barrier remote control
transmissions).

[0041] Returning again to FIG. 2, if desired, this movable barrier
operator 101 can further optionally comprise one or more end-user
interfaces 208 that operably couple to the control circuit 201. Examples
in these regards might comprise, for example, sliding switches, push
buttons, dual-in-line package (DIP) switches, a touch-screen display, and
so forth). In this illustrative example, these end-user interfaces 208
comprise a part of the movable barrier operator 101 itself and therefore
share, for example, the movable barrier operator's housing, chassis, and
so forth.

[0042] Such a movable barrier operator 101 can also optionally comprise,
as alluded to above, a motive component 209 of choice to selectively move
the corresponding movable barrier 104. This motive component 209 can
include, for example, an alternating current or a direct current motor.

[0043] So configured, in addition to responding appropriately to one or
more transmitters 112 that traditionally employ the UHF band this movable
barrier operator 101 can also wirelessly interact with any of a plurality
of two-way remote platforms such as one or more light fixtures 116,
obstacle detectors 115, end-user interfaces 113 (such as wall-mounted
buttons, open-door indicators, or the like), and any number of other
mechanisms (represented here by an Nth remote platform 210). Examples in
these regards include, but are not limited to, movement sensors, infrared
sensors, smoke detectors, fire detectors, light detectors, access-control
mechanisms, alarm systems, and so forth.

[0044] By one approach, the transceiver 203 can operate as a
frequency-hopping transceiver when using the first discrete band 204.
This can comprise, for example, hopping in a predetermined sequence
through a given number of predetermined carrier frequencies (such as, for
example, fifty different predetermined carrier frequencies). By one
approach this can comprise using a given carrier frequency for only a
predetermined amount of time (such as, for example, 10 milliseconds)
before hopping to the next carrier frequency in the sequence. Using a
frequency-hopping methodology can assist with overcoming interference
when operating in relatively unstructured spectra such as the
aforementioned ISM band (as, at least in many cases, a given interferer
will not identically impact every available carrier frequency within a
given band).

[0045] For many application settings it can be useful for the movable
barrier operator 101 to only accept instructions from, or to otherwise
communicate with, remote platforms that are authorized to engage the
movable barrier operator 101 in that manner. These teachings accommodate
at least two approaches to such authorization. First, these teachings
will facilitate a movable barrier operator learning a given remote
platform. And second, these teachings will also facilitate a movable
barrier operator pairing with a given remote platform. Generally
speaking, learning is based upon a one-way approach to communications
whereas pairing relies upon a two-way communications ability between the
movable barrier operator and the remote platform.

[0046] By one approach, this can comprise initiating, via the control
circuit 201, a relationship-establishment mode of operation. During this
relationship-establishment mode of operation the control circuit 201 then
operates in both a learn mode of operation and a pairing mode of
operation. Generally speaking, this can comprise at least a presentation
of credentials. By one approach this relationship-establishment mode of
operation can be initiated upon detecting an end-user's assertion of the
corresponding input interface (such as a particular end-user interface
208 as shown in FIG. 2). This might comprise, for example, simply
detecting that the end user has asserted a specific push button. By one
approach, a single push of such a button will suffice to instigate the
control circuit 201 to carry out a sophisticated series of actions in
these regards as described below.

[0047] In a learn mode of operation, for example, the control circuit 201
can receive (via the transceiver 203) the credentials as pertain to a
given one-way remote platform. These credential might comprise, for
example, a fixed identifier for this one-way remote platform along with a
rolling code value. (The use of fixed identifiers that are relatively
unique to a given remote platform (or, in some cases, to the control
circuit 201) and rolling code values is well understood in the art. The
interested reader is referred to U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,544, U.S. Pat. No.
7,492,905, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0058811, and U.S.
Published Patent Application No. 2007/0005806, the full contents of each
of which are hereby incorporated herein by this reference.)

[0048] In a pairing mode of operation, as another example, the control
circuit 201 can again receive such credentials and/or can present its own
corresponding credentials to the opposite entity. A pairing mode of
operation will typically include some two-way exchange of information (at
the very least, for example, some identifier for one entity that is, in
turn, acknowledged by the receiving entity).

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, this can comprise utilizing a process 400
by which the aforementioned control circuit 201 implements both a learn
mode of operation and a pairing mode of operation. In this particular
example, the control circuit 201 conducts itself in a first manner for a
first predetermined period of time. The control circuit 201 then conducts
itself in a second, different manner for a subsequent predetermined
period of time, followed by yet a third, different manner for a
subsequent and concluding predetermined period of time. The durations of
these periods of time can vary as desired. By one approach, the first
period of time can be quite brief while the second and third periods of
time are relatively considerably longer. If desired, the second and third
periods of time can have a same or nearly the same duration. By way of
illustration and without intending any limitations in these regards, the
first period of time can be about three seconds and the second and third
periods of time can each be about thirty seconds.

[0050] At step 401, during the first predetermined period of time the
control circuit 201 monitors for both learn-mode transmissions and
pairing-mode transmissions. This can comprise not transmitting during
this first period of time unless and until a pairing-mode transmission is
received. By one approach, learn-mode transmissions may tend to occur (or
may exclusively occur) in the second discrete band 207 (such as a UHF
band) while pairing-mode transmissions may tend to occur (or may
exclusively occur) in the first discrete band 204 (such as a 900 MHz ISM
band). In such a case, the transceiver 203 can be controlled to
alternate, for example, receiving in the second discrete band 207 with
transceiving in the first discrete band 204.

[0051] As a more specific example, and presuming that the first
predetermined period of time is three seconds, this can comprise scanning
the second discrete band 207 for a learn-mode transmission from a remote
platform for some fraction of the three seconds and then switching to
scanning a particular selected carrier frequency (or frequencies) of the
first discrete band 204 for a pairing-mode transmission. The reception
mode can toggle back and forth between a first reception band and a
second reception band (that is at least partially different from the
first reception band) in a temporally-interleaved manner between these
two receive states until the three seconds concludes or until the
transceiver 203 receives such a transmission.

[0052] At step 402, upon receiving (during this first predetermined period
of time) a learn-mode transmission that contains
relationship-establishment content from a first transmitting platform
(such as a one-way remote platform 112), the control circuit 201 uses the
content to learn the first transmitting platform to thereby facilitate
recognizing and acting upon subsequent transmissions from that first
transmitting platform. This would permit, for example, a traditional
garage door wireless remote opener to transmit its fixed identifier and a
current rolling code value to a movable barrier operator. (Those skilled
in the art will recognize that this learn-mode transmission may have an
identical message-field syntax as at least some subsequent transmissions
although the specific contents of those fields may change from one
transmission to the next; for example, a rolling code value will
typically change with each episode as may a recovery identifier-specified
area or areas.)

[0053] The latter could then store this information and use this
information to authenticate a next transmission from this remote device.
Upon authenticating that transmission the movable barrier operator could
then validly respond, for example, to an "open" command by causing its
movable barrier to move from a closed position to an open position.

[0054] Upon learning a remote device in this manner, step 403 provides for
automatically concluding the relationship-establishment mode of operation
notwithstanding that the first predetermined period of time may not have
yet expired. These teachings would accommodate other approaches here if
desired. For example, this step of monitoring for both learn-mode and
pairing-mode transmissions could continue for any remaining portion of
the first predetermined period of time.

[0055] As noted, step 401 provides for monitoring for both learn-mode and
pairing-mode transmissions. Accordingly, it is possible that a
pairing-mode transmission rather than a learn-mode transmission may be
received. In this case, at step 404, upon receiving (during the first
predetermined period of time) a pairing-mode transmission from a second
transmitting platform (which likely, but not necessarily, is different
from the aforementioned first transmitting platform), the control circuit
201 can transceive relationship-establishment content with the second
transmitting platform to thereby pair with that second transmitting
platform. By one approach, and as shown here, the control circuit 201 can
then automatically conclude this relationship-establishment mode of
operation notwithstanding that the first predetermined period of time may
not have yet expired.

[0056] To summarize, during a first predetermined period of time (such as
about three seconds), the control circuit 201 can utilize the transceiver
203 to switch back and forth between receiving the first discrete band
207 to monitor for learn-mode transmissions and the second discrete band
204 to monitor for pairing-mode transmissions. The control circuit 201
prompts no transmissions during this time unless and until a transmission
becomes appropriate upon receiving a pairing-mode transmission.

[0057] Upon concluding this first predetermined period of time without
receiving either a learn-mode transmission or a pairing-mode
transmission, at step 405 the control circuit 201, for a second
predetermined period of time (such as about thirty seconds), continues to
monitor for learn-mode transmissions while now transmitting pairing-mode
content.

[0058] By one approach, this can comprise again alternating monitoring for
learn-mode transmissions via the second discrete band 207 with
transmitting the pairing-mode content via the first discrete band 204.
More particularly, when employing a frequency-hopping methodology in the
first discrete band 204 as suggested above, this can comprise briefly
transmitting the pairing-mode content using a first frequency carrier
within the first discrete band 204 and then briefly monitoring for a
pairing response from a two-way remote platform. In the absence of such a
response the pairing-mode content can again be briefly transmitted using
a second frequency carrier as per the frequency-hopping sequence followed
again by briefly monitoring that second frequency carrier for a response.
This iterative use of a sequence of frequency carriers can be repeated
many times, if desired, before switching to the second discrete band 207
to scan for a learn-mode transmission.

[0059] At step 406, if and when the control circuit 201 receives, during
the second predetermined period of time, a pairing-mode response, the
control circuit 201 can facilitate completing the pairing based upon the
pairing-mode response. By one approach, if desired, this step 406 can
then provide for automatically concluding the relationship-establishment
mode of operation notwithstanding that the second predetermined period of
time may not have yet expired.

[0060] Somewhat similarly, at step 407, if and when the control circuit
201 instead receives, during the second predetermined period of time, a
learn-mode transmission containing relationship-establishment content
from a transmitting platform, the control circuit 201 can responsively
use that relationship-establishment content to learn the transmitting
platform and thereby facilitate recognizing and acting upon subsequent
transmissions from that transmitting platform. By one approach, if
desired, this step 407 can then provide for automatically concluding the
relationship-establishment mode of operation notwithstanding that the
second predetermined period of time may not have yet expired.

[0061] If, instead, the second predetermined period of time shall expire
without the transceiver 203 having receiving either learn-mode content or
a pairing-mode response to its own pairing-mode transmissions, at step
408 the control circuit 201 can now only monitor for pairing-mode
transmissions (unless and until a pairing-mode transmission is received)
for a third predetermined period of time (such as, for example, about
thirty seconds). As before, if and when a transmitting platform shall
respond to such a pairing-mode transmission with its own pairing-mode
response, the control circuit 201 can then pair with that transmitting
platform and, if desired, automatically conclude this process 400
notwithstanding that the third period of time may not have yet expired.

[0062] If the third period of time shall conclude while the process 400 is
still active, at step 409 the control circuit 201 then automatically
concludes this relationship-establishment mode of operation and returns,
for example, to its ordinary stand-by mode of operation.

[0063] These teachings are highly flexible in practice and will
accommodate a wide variety of variations with respect to that presented
above. As but one example in these regards, upon completing a learn-mode
of operation during the aforementioned process 400 and in lieu of
automatically concluding the relationship-establishment mode of operation
this process 400 can provide instead for switching to only operating
using the pairing-mode of operation during a remainder of the
relationship-establishment mode of operation. By one approach this can
continue as stated unless and until the transceiver 203 receives a
pairing-mode transmission. This exclusive use of only the pairing-mode of
operation can comprise, as desired, transmitting pairing-content and
waiting for a corresponding pairing response (regardless of whether a
pairing-mode transmission is actually received) or only monitoring for a
pairing-mode transmission (in which case a pairing-mode transmission can
be offered in response).

[0064] Such an approach (i.e., switching to a pairing-mode of operation
following completion of a learn-mode of operation) can facilitate
establishing a full relationship with a given platform that utilizes both
traditional one-way remote-control transmissions and two-way data
communications. In such a case, this approach will permit the control
circuit 201 to both learn this given platform and to pair with this given
platform during a single relationship-establishment mode of operation as
instigated, for example, by a single push of a button by an end user.

[0065] This process 400 can also be modified, in lieu of the foregoing or
in combination therewith, to switch to only operating using the learn
mode of operation during a remaining portion of the
relationship-establishment mode of operation upon completing the pairing
mode of operation for a given platform. This can comprise, for example,
only monitoring for learn-mode transmissions during a remaining portion
of the relationship-establishment mode of operation under such
circumstances.

[0066] If desired, these approaches (i.e., switching from a first mode of
operation (either the learn-mode of operation or the pairing-mode of
operation) following completion of second mode of operation) can be
conditioned upon the particulars of the given platform. For example, when
transmitting learn content and/or pairing content, this given platform
can include information regarding itself in these regards. This
information could be as simple as a single bit that serves to flag
whether the given platform uses only a single relationship-establishment
mechanism (i.e., learning or pairing) or both. The control circuit 201
could then utilize that information to determine whether to switch to an
alternative relationship-establishment mechanism upon establishing a
relationship with the given platform using a first mechanism in these
regards.

[0067] The foregoing permits remote platforms to establish a relationship
with, for example, a movable barrier operator. This, in turn, allows the
movable barrier operator to trust transmissions from the remote
platforms. This trust can be leveraged by having the movable barrier
operator act in accordance with instructions and/or data as received from
these remote platforms.

[0068] That a given remote platform may be trusted at one point in time,
however, does not mean that such trust shall persist indefinitely.
Accordingly, it can be useful to provide a mechanism to support disabling
a previously-established authorized relationship with one or more remote
platforms. FIG. 5 depicts some approaches in these regards.

[0069] Pursuant to this process 500, at step 501 the control circuit 201
detects an end-user assertion of an end-user interface 208. This can
comprise, for example, the end user asserting a push button. By one
approach, this can require that the end user assert the end-user
interface 208 for at least some particular duration of time (such as, for
example, two seconds, six seconds, or some other duration of choice). A
relatively lengthy duration requirement (such as at least six seconds)
can help, in some application settings, to avoid inadvertently disabling
previously-established authorized relationships.

[0070] At step 502, and in response to detecting the end-user's assertion
of the end-user interface 208, the control circuit 201 can disable all
previously-established authorized relationships for each of a first
category of remote platforms. By one approach, for example, this first
category of remote platforms can comprise previously learned
relationships (as versus, for example, previously paired relationships).
Or, if desired, this first category of remote platforms could comprise
all previously paired relationships (as versus, for example, previously
learned relationships).

[0071] By one approach, this disablement can comprise erasing the
relationship information from the memory 202 of the apparatus. By another
approach, if desired, this disablement can comprise tagging or flagging
the relationship information in some manner of choice to permit the
control circuit 201 to identify that information as no longer being
honored.

[0072] So configured, a complete group of previously-learned relationships
can be categorically disabled with a single end-user assertion of an
end-user interface 208. This can yield considerable savings in time when
the end user seeks to disable a relatively large number of
previously-established authorized relationships (such as, for example,
five, twenty-five, or one hundred previously-established authorized
relationships).

[0073] At step 503 this process 500 can next detect a second end-user
assertion of that same end-user interface 208. By one approach this can
comprise that the end user has asserted this end-user interface 208
within some predetermined amount of time (such as one second, three
seconds, six seconds, or some other duration of choice) of having
previously asserted the end-user interface 208. This approach can also
comprise, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith,
determining that the end user has asserted the end-user interface 208 a
second time for at least a second particular duration of time (such as
one second, three seconds, six seconds, or the like). If desired, this
required duration of time can match the duration of time required at step
501 when such is the case.

[0074] If desired, this "second" end-user assertion can comprise detecting
that the end user continues to assert the end-user interface 208 beyond a
time duration associated with detecting the aforementioned first end-user
assertion and for at least some further required period of time. For
example, to detect a first end-user assertion it may be required that the
end user assert the end-user interface 208 for at least six seconds and
to detect the second end-user assertion it may be required that the end
user continues to assert the end-user interface 208 for at least an
additional six seconds.

[0075] In response to detecting this second end-user assertion, at step
504 the control circuit 201 can disable previously-established
relationships with each of a second category of remote platforms (where
the second category is different from the first category). By one
approach, for example, the first category can consist of learned
relationships while the second category consists of paired relationships.

[0076] So configured, by use of a single end-user interface 208 and
potentially by a single end-user assertion of that interface 208, this
process 500 will permit an end user to disable all previously-established
authorized relationships with remote platforms as belong to a first
category of such relationships as well as all previously-established
authorized relationships with remote platforms as belong to a second
category of such relationships. This process 500 will also permit this
end user to be more selective in these regards and to disable only the
relationships that comprise one of these categories but not both.

[0077] This process 500 will accommodate a wide variety of variations that
may be useful in a particular application setting. For example, by one
approach, the end user can manipulate the end-user interface 208 to
select the particular category of previously-established relationships is
to be first disabled. As one simple example in these regards, the end
user could assert this same end-user interface 208 twice in quick
succession to signal that a subsequent assertion of the end-user
interface 208 is to result at step 502 in disablement of the
previously-established authorized relationships as comprise the second
category rather than the first category.

[0078] As another example in these regards, a first assertion of the
end-user interface 208 can be detecting as a "second" assertion of the
end-user interface 208 at step 503 when the end user asserts the end-user
interface 208 at a time where there is no extant previously-established
authorized relationship with the first category of remote platform.

[0079] There can be other circumstances when it may be useful to
accommodate purposefully disabling a previously-established authorized
relationship. For example, an installer or service technician may employ
a service tool that requires a temporary established relationship with a
given movable barrier operator in order to facilitate its operational
functionality. In such a case the movable barrier operator can learn
and/or pair with the service tool to establish the necessary
relationship.

[0080] In this case, however, and referring now to FIG. 6, step 601 of the
illustrated process 600 provides for maintaining, on a non-temporary
basis, previously-established authorized wireless relationships for each
of a first category of remote platforms (these comprising remote
platforms, for example, other than service tools that only require a
temporary relationship) while step 602 provides for maintaining, only on
a temporary basis, at least a portion of the previously-established
authorized wireless relationships for each of a second category of remote
platforms (where the second category is of course different from the
first category and can include, for example, service tools that only
requires temporary access to and cooperation with the movable barrier
operator).

[0081] As used herein, the word "temporary" will be understood to refer to
a period of time of set duration (such as one minute, five minutes,
fifteen minutes, one hour, or such other duration of choice).
Accordingly, "non-temporary" will be understood to refer to a period of
time of unlimited duration in that the duration is unspecified. For
example, the first category of remote platforms can be maintained on a
non-temporary basis by maintaining these relationships until specifically
instructed otherwise by an external source (such as the end user as per,
for example, the procedures described above).

[0082] As another example in these regards, the relationships for the
second category of remote platforms can be maintained only as a function
of at least one external input to the control circuit 201 (such as, for
example, a command input to operate the control circuit 201 to cause a
movable barrier to move). Using this approach, and by way of an
illustrative example, a movable barrier operator will maintain a
relationship with a service tool unless and until the movable barrier
operator receives a command from other than the service tool (hence an
"external" input) to open or close the movable barrier that the movable
barrier operator controls. Upon receiving such a command, it may be
presumed that normal operation has commenced and that the relationship
with the service tool can be terminated.

[0083] By one approach, step 602 can comprise automatically disabling the
second category of remote platforms after a predetermined period of time
by, for example, partially or completely erasing the corresponding
information from memory. This step will also accommodate other approaches
in these regards, however, such as using flags or tags to denote the
disabled or now-unauthorized status of the relationship.

[0084] As noted above, these teachings readily facilitate the employment
of two-way data communications between, for example, a movable barrier
operator and any number of remote platforms. These data communications
can facilitate both giving and receiving instructions (for example, to
open the movable barrier or to switch on a light) as well as providing
status information (for example, that the movable barrier is open, that a
light is on, or that smoke is sensed). By one approach, these components
can utilize an acknowledgement (ACK)-based communications protocol to
confirm receipt of a given transmission. If desired, an acknowledgement
message can comprise a required element for essentially all received
transmissions to ensure a reliable transference of content. This
acknowledgement message can comprise a simple mere acknowledgement of
having received a prior transmission (perhaps coupled with an identifier
(or even an updated rolling code value) for the acknowledging platform).
Or, if desired, this acknowledgement message can comprise more elaborate
content (such as, for example, a verbatim presentation of the received
content to permit a comparison of the information as received by the
acknowledging platform with the information as originally transmitted to
the acknowledging platform).

[0085] Such an acknowledgement scheme can be further leveraged, if
desired, to support other system functionality. For example, a movable
barrier operator may have timer-to-close functionality (where the movable
barrier operator automatically closes a movable barrier at some
particular time (such as five minutes) after the movable barrier opens)
and/or remote-close functionality (where the movable barrier operator
responds to a remote control instruction from a source that is not
physically present at the movable barrier) that relies upon an ability to
provide a signal (such as a flashing light) to alert persons who might be
in the area of the movable barrier before actually closing the movable
barrier in an unattended manner. In such a case, a message (such as an
acknowledgement message) from the light fixture can provide the movable
barrier operator with the required assurance that the necessary visual
signal is available before acting upon such functionality.

[0086] FIG. 7 presents one illustrative example in these regards. At step
701 of this process 700, the control circuit 201 transmits a message to a
remote peripheral platform (such as, but not limited to, a light fixture
116 as shown in FIG. 2). This can, of course, comprise a wireless
transmission. The message itself can be particularly targeted to this
particular remote peripheral platform or can be more generally directed
to a group of remote platforms that includes this particular remote
peripheral platform.

[0087] (Optional step 702 illustrates that the control circuit 201 can
also transmit another message (or messages) to a second remote peripheral
platform (or platforms) as desired. This second remote peripheral
platform might comprise, for example, a second light fixture, an
audible-announcing fixture, or essentially any other remote platform of
choice.

[0089] In any event, at step 703 the control circuit 201 determines that
the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out a given
functionality. For example, when the remote peripheral platform comprises
a light fixture, this can comprise determining that the light fixture is
presently available and able to respond to the control circuit's command
to flash a warning/alert light. By one approach, this determination can
be based, at least in part, upon receiving an acknowledgement
transmission (as described above) from the remote peripheral platform in
response to the aforementioned message.

[0090] Upon making this determination, this step 703 then provides for
responsively permitting a particular function to be carried out by the
movable barrier operator. This can comprise, for example, permitting the
movable barrier operator to carry out a timer-to-close function or a
remote-close function. This can also comprise, if desired, having the
remote peripheral platform carry out the given functionality (for
example, by having the light fixture flash its light as a visual warning
that the movable barrier is about to imminently carry out an automatic
closure of the movable barrier).

[0091] As noted above, this process 700 can optionally include
transmissions to other remote peripheral platforms. When these other
remote peripheral platforms are not required or otherwise critical to the
particular function to be carried out by the movable barrier operator,
step 703 can optionally be carried out as described regardless of whether
it can be ascertained that the second remote peripheral platform is
presently able to carry out another given functionality. This can be
useful, for example, when the second remote peripheral platform comprises
a secondary light fixture and where an automated unattended barrier
closure can be carried out safely regardless of whether the secondary
light fixture is available or not.

[0092] Conversely, at step 704 and when the control circuit 201 determines
that it cannot ascertain whether the remote peripheral platform is
presently able to carry out the given functionality, the control circuit
201 can responsively prevent the movable barrier operator from carrying
out the particular function. Accordingly, and by way of example, a
failure to receive an acknowledgement transmission (for example, with a
predetermined period of time, such as 500 milliseconds, one second, five
seconds, or some other duration of choice) from the remote peripheral
platform in response to the aforementioned transmitted message can
provide a basis for prohibiting the given functionality.

[0093] As noted above, by one approach each wireless communication (or at
least those that presume a two-way operational paradigm) can require a
corresponding acknowledgement from the intended recipient. In the absence
of such an acknowledgement, the source platform can repeat the original
transmission (presuming that the original transmission failed to reach
the intended recipient). While effective in many application settings to
ensure that a given intended recipient in fact receives a particular
transmission, such an approach can also occasion other problems. For
example, the intended recipient may be unavailable for some extended
period of time (due, for example, to a local power outage, a long-lived
powerful interferer, damage, and so forth). In such a case, repeating the
original transmission over and over again because of a lack of an
acknowledgement can unduly burden the available bandwidth and potentially
interfere with the overall operation of the system.

[0094] FIG. 8 presents one process 800 to effectively deal with such a
situation. At step 801 of this process 800 and upon detecting that a
targeted remote platform has not acknowledged a wirelessly-transmitted
first message, the control circuit 201 automatically re-transmits that
first message up to X times (where X is an integer at least equaling "1")
until an acknowledgement message is received from the targeted remote
platform. This might comprise, for example, re-transmitting this message
a total of, say, four times. The timing interval between these repeated
transmissions can be statically or dynamically determined as desired.

[0095] At step 802, upon then detecting that the targeted remote platform
did not acknowledge any of these re-transmitted messages, and further
upon detecting that the targeted remote platform has also not
acknowledged another wirelessly-transmitted second message, the control
circuit 201 then automatically re-transmits this second message only up
to X-Y times (where Y is an integer no greater than X). As an
illustrative but non-limiting example in these regards, when X is set to
"4" and Y is set to "2," this step 802 will adjust the number of
re-transmissions under these circumstances to only two repetitions rather
than the usual four repetitions.

[0096] Accordingly, so configured, the control circuit 201 becomes more
sparing of its use of available system resources when a given intended
recipient repeatedly fails to acknowledge a series of independent
messages. By one approach, Y can be set to equal X. In this case, under
the circumstances described, step 802 will prevent the control circuit
201 from providing even a single re-transmission of an unacknowledged
transmission.

[0097] Eventually, of course, this intended recipient will again begin
receiving and acknowledging its messages. Accordingly, at optional step
803, upon detecting that the targeted remote platform (subsequent to
having not acknowledged re-transmitted messages) did acknowledge having
received a wirelessly-transmitted message, and further upon detecting
that the targeted remote platform has now again not acknowledged a
wireless-transmitted subsequent message, the control circuit 201 can
again automatically re-transmit the subsequent message up to X times
until an acknowledgement message is received from the targeted remote
platform. In other words, operationally, this process 800 can begin anew
under such circumstances.

[0098] By one approach, if desired and as a part of step 802, this process
800 can revert to step 801 as a function of time even though the targeted
recipient still fails to acknowledge received messages. For example, if
the targeted recipient continuously fails to acknowledge messages for a
period of twelve hours, it may be useful to more aggressively re-transmit
unacknowledged messages to this targeted recipient on a temporary basis
in an attempt to better the situation.

[0099] By one approach, if desired, this process 800 can be modified to
incrementally decrement the number of attempted re-transmissions at step
802. For example, initially, when X equals 4, Y may be set to 1 so that
up to three re-transmissions are attempted. With a next message that the
target fails to acknowledge, Y can then be set to 2 so that only up to
two re-transmissions are attempted. This can continue until Y equals some
particular stable value which the control circuit 201 employs thereafter
as described.

[0100] Another problem that can occasionally arise when mandating
acknowledgment messages is that a number of platforms can all attempt to
transmit their required acknowledgement at the same time with one
another. This can lead to signal collisions that prevent successful
reception of some or all of the colliding messages. This, in turn, can
lead to unwarranted re-transmissions of the original message in order to
elicit a corresponding acknowledgement which again leads to another round
of acknowledgement message collisions.

[0101] To assist in these regards these teachings will accommodate
temporally parsing a given carrier frequency into a plurality of time
slots. Certain of these time slots can be assigned to two-way remote
platforms that have an established relationship with the movable barrier
operator 101. As a simple example in these regards, each carrier
frequency opportunity can be parsed into twenty-two equally-sized
transmit/receive pairs of time slots. A first such pair of time slots can
be assigned to a remote platform that has also been assigned the network
identifier "1." A second such pair of time slots can be similarly
assigned to a remote platform that has been assigned the network
identifier "2." Such a one-for-one assignment protocol can serve to
pre-assign up to twenty-two remote platforms to a corresponding pair of
time slots.

[0102] This time slotting, however, need not always dictate the
transmission behavior of the remote platforms. Instead, if desired, the
remote platforms may be permitted to unilaterally transmit at essentially
any time during this parsed period of time when self-sourcing a specific
communication (such as when providing an end-user instruction to a
movable barrier operator or when reporting a monitored condition (such as
the detected presence of an obstacle in the pathway of a moving movable
barrier)). Such asynchronous transmissions can be readily accommodated in
most application settings due to a likelihood of relatively low levels of
traffic on the one hand and the aforementioned acknowledgement protocol
that will tend to assure that the transmitting platform will re-transmit
its message until an appropriate acknowledgement is received.

[0103] That said, there are other scenarios where observation of the
aforementioned time slots can be required on the part of the remote
platforms. FIG. 9 presents an illustrative process 900 in these regards.
This particular process 900 is particularly useful when implemented by a
control circuit (including control circuits at remote platforms) having a
unique system identifier (as assigned, for example, by a movable barrier
operator and where that unique system identifier can be correlated
(one-on-one) with a given time slot (which can include a pair of time
slots to accommodate both transmissions and receptions, respectively).

[0104] Presuming such a configuration, at step 901 the control circuit
receives an individually-targeted communication directed to itself. In
response, this step 901 provides for transmitting a corresponding
acknowledgement message in a time slot as defined by the above-described
time slot-based protocol but without concern for whether the particular
utilized time slot is one that has been previously correlated with and
assigned to this particular control circuit/remote platform. Accordingly
this acknowledgement message is transmitted in a time slot of convenience
(such as a next-occurring time slot) regardless of whether that time slot
corresponds to the unique system identifier as corresponds to this
control circuit.

[0105] So configured, the control circuit can quickly respond with its
acknowledgement upon receiving a communication that is individually
targeted to that control circuit (i.e., that remote platform). Under the
circumstances this approach is not especially likely to lead to a
transmission collision as there is no particular anticipated reason why
another remote platform would also be trying to transmit its own
acknowledgement message at this time and, as noted above, traffic
conditions will likely be otherwise relatively light in many application
settings.

[0106] These teachings will also accommodate, however, a multi-target
broadcast communication in addition to individually-targeted
communications. Such a multi-target broadcast might be received, for
example, by twenty or so remote platforms (and/or movable barrier
operators). Per the dictates of the described protocol, each of these
platforms is expected to respond with a corresponding acknowledgement.

[0107] Now, of course, having each of the remote platforms utilize a
next-occurring time slot is considerably more likely to lead to
transmission collisions. A similar result can be expected if these
platforms are permitted to respond ad hoc without concern for the time
slotting protocol.

[0108] Accordingly, to aid with avoiding such collisions, at step 902 this
process 900 provides under such circumstances for transmitting the
corresponding acknowledgement message in a time slot that uniquely
corresponds to the unique system identifier (in other words, in the
transmission time slot that has been previously assigned to this
particular control circuit/remote platform. Such an approach will tend to
assure that each acknowledging platform will transmit in a
non-overlapping manner with the other acknowledging platform, hence
avoiding collisions.

[0109] So configured, these teachings provide for an efficient and
cost-effective approach to supporting two-way wireless data
communications. What is more, these approaches are flexible in practice
and can readily accommodate a variety of regulatory requirements or
guidelines as may pertain to a given application setting.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of
modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to
the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and
combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive
concept.

Patent applications by James J. Fitzgibbon, Batavia, IL US

Patent applications by John Steven Scaletta, Algonquin, IL US

Patent applications by Robert R. Keller, Jr., Park Ridge, IL US

Patent applications in class Intelligence comparison for controlling

Patent applications in all subclasses Intelligence comparison for controlling